Anyone moved to/currently in the Canary Islands?

Question

I was wondering how the tech scene is doing there. The climate seems lovely and cost of life doesn't look too high. Is that a good place for digital workers? Does anyone have experience with freelancing and/or starting a company there?

avion23 · Accepted Answer

- I've been to tenerife multiple times and worked there for 3 months. In Santa Cruz. That wasn't good, they are not prepared for digital nomads. Also I was totally alone.
- From what I gathered Gran Canaria is much better suited
- I'm in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria now. It's a bit cold at 19-20°C, but sunny. People are friendly and some speak english. There is a mix of totally different people. Even a digital nomad Community: https://live-it-up-las-palmas.mn.co
- The south is too touristy for me
- Las Palmas is a big city, with spanish culture and not only tourists, and 2 beaches in the city. That is difficult to top in Europe.

berdario · Answer

https://github.com/zupo/awesome-lanzarote

emteycz · Answer

Yes, it's a good place for digital workers, but don't expect some incredible tech scene. The expat community is alright. I recommend southern Tenerife, but many people are on Gran Canaria too.
Any company you start there will have to do business outside. There are excellent tax conditions, but not a lot of workers and very few customers, if any.
Same goes for freelancing, you'll have to work with clients outside the islands if you expect more than 10% of a usual tech salary.

tetek · Answer

a lot of polish tech folks go there for Jan-Feb to hide from the winter. Although the climate is nice, I always perceived this place as a temporary hideout for most europeans.